The Importance of Groomer Health & Safety
30th Nov 2016
The holidays can be a very busy time for groomers, so make sure you take care of your health!
Grooming is a physically demanding job, which is why you need to take care of the most valuable asset you have, YOUR HEALTH. This article includes information on the importance of using: masks, goggles, ear protection, gloves, and muzzles. Masks Blow dryers, dremels, and brushing can cause damage to your health as hair, dander, parasites and bacteria may become airborne, and after repeated exposure, can cause or contribute to bronchial problems. This is especially the case during “shavedowns” and dremeling of nails that groomers often endure on a daily basis.
"Many of our customers are looking for protection from what is now being coined “Groomer’s Lung” ". <Breath Healthy, http://www.breathehealthy.com/about-our-masks/uses/grooming-masks/>.Breath Healthy Masks effectively filter hair, most dander, dust, and parasites, and is made with hi-tech materials that wick and repel moisture away from the face, allowing for greater long term comfort. These masks can be worn for an extended period of time without getting unbearably hot … and are available in a variety of pet friendly designs. Breath Healthy masks are effective and comfortable enough for all-day use, multi-layered, washable, antibacterial, and adjustable.
High velocity blow dryers can cause damage to your hearing overtime so take care of your hearing by investing in good quality earmuffs. Noises higher than 80 decibels can cause hearing damage over time. To put that into perspective, a noisy intersection or restaurant, can surpass this level. High velocity blow dryers can be as high as 90 dB from motor noise alone, when you add a nozzle onto the hose the noise can increase to over 100 dB, depending on the brand of dryer. With noise reduction earmuffs, note the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The NRR references the sounds level, measured in decibels (dB) that a pair of earmuffs effectively isolates or keeps out. The earmuffs we distribute have a noise reduction rating of 27dB, which is in the same category as earmuffs used for shooting. Be cautious if you do not see the NRR listed, there could be a reason for that. Note that noise cancelling earmuffs are not your best option as they require a battery and are not able to pinpoint, and cancel out, a wide range of frequencies. For extremely sensitive hearing, you can wear earplugs in combination with earmuffs. NOTE: a barking Bichon can have a decibel rating of 102! Click here to view this product online... Goggles
Similar to wearing a mask, eyes also need to be protected from airborne hair, dander, parasites and bacteria. When bathing and using blow dryers, your eyes are exposed to these airborne particles. Even microscopic debris can cause irritation or damage to eyes, especially if it causes you to rub your eyes (increasing your risk of irritation/infection as your fingers are a significant source of bacteria). The goggles we distribute help prevent exposure and can fit over your eye glasses so you can still see what you are doing. You only have two eyes, so protect them! Click here to view this product online... Gloves Many groomers believe they can read animals, leaving themselves unprotected and exposed to potential 
bites and/or scratches. However, even our most experienced groomer at Lynn Professional has been hospitalized from a dog bite to the wrist! Gloves cannot protect your skin completely as they do not cover the length of your arm, but your hands and wrists are a high risk area for bites and scratches. Our Puncture Resistant Gloves are Level 4, the same gloves worn by steel workers. Animals will not be able to puncture them but you may get a nasty bruise! We also have puncture resistant waterproof gloves that fit over the puncture resistant gloves so they can be worn while bathing. Click here to view the gloves online... Muzzles 
Animals can be unpredictable, which is why we carry muzzles for dogs and cats of all sizes. Click here to view this online... We want you to be protected, get 15% off safety gear this month. Safety of the animal is also of extreme importance, we will highlight this topic in our coming newsletters.